After years of thinking about it and weeks of planning we finally did it. Close to 600 kms of cycling from Manali to Leh (because Tanglang La was closed and we had to take a detour at Debring and go via Tso Kar and Mahe bridge).
We rode with all our gear including clothes, sleeping bags, tent, stove, utensils, food, water, cycle spares, on our cycles — an estimated weight of about 25 kgs (not counting the weight of the bikes, pannier racks, and bags.
It was hard work (some of the 5000 mtr passes never seem to seem to end), we had our share of broken bridges, riding trough streams, sand storm (yes, sand storm!), dust, grime, and cold, but by and large we did not get into any real trouble…
Click here to see s slideshow of Manli-Leh Cycling pictures (opens in a new window and requires Flash). You can also see individual images here.
Two riders: Sanjay Jaiman and Ajay Jaiman
September 4th to 14th, 2010
[Gallery not found]
Ajay! It’s been a long time since I stopped to talk with you guys after crossing Rhotang Pass. If you remember, I was the American on the blue Royal Enfield with the camera mounted to my handlebars. Your photos are incredible and it looks like you and your friend had an amazing trip. I noticed that you met the two (french?) bikers on recumbent bikes, one of whom was pedaling with his arms! We saw this pair near Pang but never got the opportunity to speak with them.
I presume you’re through with your adventure at this point. Did you return to the states or are you two still in Delhi? I had no idea you were such a cycling activist and sustainability advocate. Do these interests inform your business? I look forward to hearing form you. I’m sending a duplicate message to the email address you gave me.
I hope you’re well!
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Dear Ajay,
It was very inspiring to read your travelogue. I am a marketing professional, a passionate wildlifer who is also into photography.
We (me and 2 other friends) have taken to cycling recently we have been cycling from our base Bangalore in the radius of about 300 kms. We have cycled in the western ghat regions also. I am writing to you to take your help and guidance to plan our cycling trip from Manali to Leh this summer in June or July and will appreciate your 2 cents.
I am not sure where your are based out of or how else I could connect with you? I am keen to have a word with you and take some notes of the do’s and dont’s along with some geographic info on the route etc….
If you are comfortable, pls drop me your contact number so I can call you. Look forward to hear from you.
Cheers
Gurudeep
gurudeep.ramakrishna@gmail.com
+91 98863 97703
Thanks, Gurudeep. Am emailing you my contact details.
Ajay, i would be glad if you forward me the same details and your experiences because even i am looking forward for this expedition in this July.
email id- sreepad16@gmail.com
mobile no-9945638274
Sreepad: Have mailed you my contact details.
I guess I should post it online too. Perhaps another post…
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Thanks for so many great articles. This has always been on my list, and I will do it someday. The link to the pics don’t work?
Deepak
All the best! And thanks for pointing out the error. Will fix soon…
One information that I just can’t find anywhere is that what comfort rating of sleeping bag to take if this cycling trip is done around July-August? I have a -20C down-fill Sleeping Bag from the Chadar Trek. Will this sleeping bag suffice or will it too warm for this cycling trip? I spent a fortune on that Sleeping bag and would very much like to utilize it instead of buying another one.
-20 seems a bit overkill. But if you don’t want to buy another one, you could consider keeping the part of the zipper open when it gets too warm…
Ajay,
Awesome work Dude! I’m planning on doing this trip later this year. Thanks a million for sharing all the info. Your packing list is pretty comprehensive. I have a trek 4300 which I’m planning to ride on this trip. If you’re OK with it, I’d like to speak to you or meet you in person (I stay in Mayur Vihar) to pick your brains further on gear and supplies etc. So, if I can have your contact details, please mail me at gpartha72 (at) gmail (dot) com or text me at Nine Eight Six Eight Eight Eight Six Six One Six. Once again, much impressed with your trip.
Respect, Bro!!!
Partha
Hi Ajay,
I am curious to know what were the bikes(make/model) you and Sanjay were riding. I am planning to do this trip this year(july 2012) and am in a hurry to get a second hand bike that will be fit to do Manali to Leh. I ride a very basic bike currently(Rockrider 5.0).
Thanks for your postings. They are highly informational. Thank you !!!
I was riding a Trek 4300, and Sanjay was riding a Gary Fisher (sorry I don’t remember the exact model).
All the best! & thanks.